Managing a Dog that Hates the Rain

Some dogs love being outside, regardless of the weather. However, if your dog hates the rain, he may resist going outside. Your dog will sense rain coming hours before it starts so he may become suspicious if you try to take him out ahead of a storm. If he hates getting wet, he will become anxious and fearful. This is a problem since your dog will need to go outside to urinate and defecate. He might have an accident in the house as he resists going out. Accompany your dog outside and stay with him for comfort and to keep him company. A short walk can make rainy days more fun. You can use an umbrella or a doggy raincoat to keep your dog from getting wet. Praise your dog and reward him whenever he does his business out in the rain. Towel off your dog when you go back inside.  Contact your veterinarian Chico, CA.

What To Do If Your Cat Eats String

Cats can develop a condition called pica which is characterized by eating non-edible things. The behavior can be triggered by a variety of reasons such as boredom, stress, or it can be an attention-seeking behavior. It can also be a play behavior or the cat simply finds the object tasty or smelling good.

When a cat eats a string or any similar to it, it is referred to as a linear foreign body. In most cases, the cat passes the string with the feces within 10-24 hours. However, there are instances when the string bunches up and binds as a result of the muscular contractions (called peristalsis) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This can eventually lead to the intestines becoming blocked, pulled, or torn.

A cat that has ingested string that gets stuck in the GIT may exhibit the following symptoms:

l  Vomiting which can increase a cat’s risk to dehydration

l  Decreased or loss of appetite

l  Straining in an attempt to defecate or the cat may have diarrhea

l  Pain in the abdomen or belly

l  Depression or lethargy

l  Fever

If you saw your cat eating string, call your animal hospital Marion, IA to find out what course of action your should take.

Trimming Your Dog’s Nails

Long nails prevent your dog from getting a good grip on surfaces he walks and runs on. These nails can also get caught and cause pain or damage your dog’s toes. They could also cause twisting of the toes and result in difficulty walking. Thus you need to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Handle your dog’s feet so he becomes accustomed to your touch. When you are ready to trim his nails, act efficiently. Grasp your dog’s foot and trim the nails a little at a time while avoiding the quick. The quick is the nerve and blood supply to the nail that will hurt and bleed if nicked. Continue trimming nail by nail as long as your dog doesn’t resist. If he pulls away and tries to scamper off, just try another time. Eventually you’ll trim all the nails. For more information, contact your reputed pet clinic Murrieta, CA.

Keeping Your Cat Off the Kitchen Counters

Your cat’s habit of walking around up on your kitchen counters can be annoying and unsanitary especially when you are preparing food. Understand that she likes the counters because she gets food and she can peruse her territory from a high vantage point. To keep your cat off the kitchen counters, never feed her when up there. Ensure that all family members follow this rule. If she jumps up on the counter, remove her and place her on a safe surface. Don’t yell or punish her or roughly push your cat off the counter. Cover the counters with aluminum foil strips or double-sided tape when not in use. These materials feel weird to your cat’s feet and will discourage her from going up there. Give your cat an alternate perch such as a shelf or windowsill so she has a place to watch the hubbub of your household in safety. For more information, contact your

Is Flaxseed Good For Cats?

Flaxseed contains substantial amounts of essential fatty acids, such as omega-3. It is derived from flax plants which have been used in the past to make yarn and other textile products. Today, flax can be found in many food items, supplements, and pet food products. Flaxseed offers several benefits to cats but the most important include boosting the immune system, improving the overall health of the digestive tract, and keeps the skin and hair coat shiny and healthy. These benefits can all be attributed to omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are known to be powerful immune boosters. EFAs also play an important role in the integrity and function of the heart and nervous system. With its anti-inflammatory properties, flaxseed is great for cats with joint problems. It also helps reduce pain and discomfort significantly. Cats with kidney problems also benefit from EFAs in flaxseed by counteracting the action of triglycerides that are produced in ill cats. Also, flaxseed has natural fibers that help promote optimum function of the cat’s digestive system.

It is recommended that you consult with your animal hospital Bee Cave TX before starting your cat on any supplement.

Preservatives In Cat Food

Preservatives are a common ingredient in pet food products. These ingredients keep these products fresh and prolong their shelf-life. However, there are preservatives that have been linked to adverse reactions and health issues in pets. Pet owners should know which preservatives won’t have negative effects on cats and which ones can cause harm.  Preservatives in pet food can be natural or synthetic.

Natural preservatives

Common natural preservatives that are incorporated in pet food formulas include citric acid, vitamin E, and vinegar. These substances help extend the shelf-life of pet food without causing harm to pets.

Synthetic preservatives

BHA (butylated hydroxy anisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) are just two of the many synthetic preservatives that are used in pet food. Unfortunately, there have been studies that link the use of synthetic preservatives in pet food to certain health issues in pets.

Consult with your veterinarian Cherry Hill, NJ regarding the best way to meet your pet’s dietary needs.

Feeding Pet Cats – Dry, Wet, Or Fresh Food?

There are various options to feeding pet cats. As long as you understand your pet’s specific nutritional needs based on the animal’s lifestage, activity level, health status, etc. , you will be able to meet your pet’s needs appropriately. 

Dry cat food

Kibbles are not created equal so you must do your assignment, learn as much as you can about the choices that you have.  Never compromise your pet’s healthy by choosing quantity over quality. Premium pet food may be more expensive but you can be sure that standards of formulation, processing, packaging, etc. have been met. Low-quality pet food or generic brands tend to contain a lot of fillers which can significantly lower the nutritional value of the pet food.

Wet cat food

Did you know that wet food or canned pet food is 3-4 times denser when it comes to calories compared to dry food or kibble? Wet cat food can help your furball stay within normal weight limits. Since it contains a higher amount of moisture (75-80%), it can help ensure adequate hydration for your pet.

Fresh cat food

The protein percentage of fresh cat food tends to be higher and the water content helps ensure that cats get the proper hydration to keep them healthy. In addition, you can get to choose better ingredients to ensure efficient digestion and utilization. It is recommended that you work with your veterinarian Sugar Land, TX or pet nutritionist when making a complete and balanced diet for your cat.